India Mahdavi is one of the most influential designers and architects on the international scene. She is known for her sophisticated and innovative use of color combinations. Her ability to transform spaces through color has made her famous worldwide, and she has created iconic interiors with stunning visual impact.
The Success of India Mahdavi: From London’s Sketch to Global Recognition
India Mahdavi gained widespread recognition thanks to her project for Sketch, a London restaurant with an eclectic style. Sketch took social media by storm and became one of the most photographed interiors on Instagram. Her first intervention at Sketch featured the now-iconic millennial pink, a sophisticated and enveloping shade that redefined contemporary interior design.
Later, Mahdavi took a bold turn for the same space, transforming the color palette into a 100% yellow scheme. This innovative approach further cemented her reputation as a master of color, capable of crafting immersive and engaging atmospheres.
India Mahdavi’s Unique Style: Pop, Sophisticated, and Multicultural
Her ability to combine bold color schemes with diverse materials and textures sets India Mahdavi apart. She creates visually and narratively impactful projects by blending pop design, artistic influences, and refined details, turning spaces into true works of art.
One of the most fascinating examples of this aesthetic is the Sketch Gallery. Mahdavi designed an immersive space perfect for hosting the Modern Magic exhibition by Anglo-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare.
A Colorful Childhood: The Roots of a Design Genius
Born in 1962 in Tehran, Mahdavi experienced a cosmopolitan childhood across the United States, Germany, and France. Her education was equally diverse: she studied architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1980 to 1986 before specializing in furniture design at the Parsons School of Design and graphic design at the School of Visual Arts in New York.
Her love for color has deep roots. As a child, Mahdavi was captivated by Disney movies, Bugs Bunny, Peanuts, and even the vibrant hues of the food in her lunchbox. This background shaped her playful and innovative approach to design.
From Art Direction to Entrepreneurial Success
After seven years as art director for Christian Liaigre, India Mahdavi decided to open her design studio in 2000. A few years later, she launched her first showroom on Rue Las Cases in Paris, followed by a boutique dedicated exclusively to accessories in 2011.
The Influence of Cinema and the Pursuit of “Joie de Vivre”
Cinema played a fundamental role in shaping Mahdavi’s creative vision. She often went to movie theaters to study scene aesthetics, drawing inspiration from visual details and lighting effects. Cinema influenced her obsession with color balance and the creation of atmospheres often compared to the Andersonian style.
In her projects, India Mahdavi constantly seeks a sense of joy and lightness, transforming emotions into captivating chromatic experiences. Thanks to her nomadic background, her work communicates a universal language that resonates with a multicultural audience sensitive to art and design.
India Mahdavi has redefined interior design through color, creating iconic and highly recognizable environments. Her ability to merge elegance, experimentation, and visual culture has made her one of the most influential figures in the international art and architecture scene. Her unique style inspires designers and creatives worldwide, proving that color is not just an aesthetic element but an authentic language capable of conveying emotions.